Violin String Names with Pitches E, A, D, G - YouTube Violin String Names with Pitches E, A, D, G Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jul 24, 2012 It is important for a beginning violinist to be familiar with the strings on his or her instrument. There are four different strings on the violin. Learn the different violin string names and hear how they sound played on an open string. Visit for more information on learning the violin. - - Michael Sanchez is CEO and creator of Violin Tutor Pro which he developed in March of 2009. His instrument abilities include the violin, viola, fiddle, mandolin and piano. He has been playing classical violin for over 20 years, and has been teaching in his private studio for almost 10 years. Michael currently dedicates much of his time to teaching, and also performs the violin in various special events and weddings.

He is currently managing over 50 private students at his hometown in Grand Rapids, MI (United States), teaching the violin, viola and fiddle. Michael has a very popular YouTube channel where he has thousands of subscribers and millions of viewers. He provides a fun interactive approach to his lessons and as of late has been teaching a lot of new classes on the interactive platform Google Hangout. Michael is also the CEO of Superior Violins which is a violin merchandise E-commerce platform. Michael plans on expanding this into a chain of stores in the future focusing on the string instruments market. Category How often should you change strings? Kevin Tompkins How often should you change strings? March 28, 2008 at 10:55 PM · How long do you usually use strings before it is time to change them? Replies (32) March 29, 2008 at 02:46 AM · I usually go about a calendar month on wound gut Passiones. Of course...that's with playing days of 7+hours at least 6 days a week. ~$75 goney. They don't disintegrate like synthetics, the tone is simply gone.

What REALLY stinks though-is having concerts next weekend and 3 weeks after that-and having REALLY dead strings right now. I can't win. Paul Rowinski March 29, 2008 at 02:54 AM · change them when they start to sound dull and lifeless. I get about 6 months out of a set of Dominants, playing 2-3hrs/day. Some of my students with very dry fingers get more than a year out of a set, others with destructive body chemistry only a few months. Let your ears tell you. Adam Clifford March 29, 2008 at 03:36 AM · I agree with everyone above me, but have one thing to add: usually the nicer the string, the shorter lifetime they fulfill. For instance, right now the new "fad" in strings seems to be Evah Piratsi (sp?). These strings, on my violin, with my semi-oily fingers, last a couple months. They are worth it though, as they bring out the best sound in my instrument! I had my luthier put Dominants on them, and there was no comparison!

You get what you pay for, except in terms of string life, it's kindof the opposite! Bilbo Prattle March 30, 2008 at 02:47 PM · Hmmm, when my fifths are out, I check the tuning. Do you mean when you play fifths up and down the fingerboard and they seem to wander in and out? Yes, that is a good test for the strings going "false". P.S. Oliviu: why doesn't your fiddle havr strings and tailpiece? Andrew Victor March 30, 2008 at 03:57 PM · The violinist in my piano trio (where I'm the cellist) played his Evah Pirazzi strings for 3 years. He wanted to change -- but they seemeed to be no problem at all. He also playes in two orchestras and at least two quartets. I don't really know how often I "change" violin strings because there are new brands coming out so frequently that my obsessive need to try has me changing at least once a year. But my current expeerience with Evah Pirazzi stark strings indicates they last well.

I do clean my strings dry every day and with alcohol every week or two and this keeps the tone and reponse well. I also clean my bow hair. Between that and cleaning strings I think I reduce (or eliminate) false intonation and tone problems for extended time. March 30, 2008 at 04:34 PM · ^ Andrew, All I will say is the thought of ANY string other than Red Labels being played by an active musician for 3 years leaves me cringing in my seat. I never got Evahs to last more than a month or two-with anal violin/string cleaning and bow cleaning/rehairing. Liz Drabkin April 3, 2008 at 08:23 PM · I currently have Evah Pirazzi and they usually sound fine for about 3 months. If they unravel, I'd recommend changing them straightaway because you can easily cut your fingers. This may happen from very long nails. I used to use Dominant and they can last for about 6 months without being damaged. But it all depends on how long you practice. This is a result of about 2-3, sometimes 3-4 hours a day.

Rosalind Porter April 4, 2008 at 12:41 AM · Hmm. I've met quite a few professional players in full time orchestras who only change their strings every couple of years or so, or if they start to unwind/break. These are fine players who sound great... One pro friend has said many times to me that the whole notion about strings not lasting more than x number of hours is just scare-mongering and propaganda powered by the string manufacturers and that if one keeps strings clean etc, there's no reason why they can't last a couple of years. He made a very sensible point that if metals deteriorated as fast as some players assume they do, much of modern engineering would be exceedingly dangerous as a result. I'd like to see some measurable scientific evidence of sound deterioration rates. Do we know how often Heifetz, Milstein and other "greats" changed their strings? Manuel Tabora April 4, 2008 at 12:57 AM · When I was in music high school, I used thomastik dominant strings (which a lot of people hate, they were the best value for me back then).

At one point in time, I had a set that was on my violin for over a year. One time at a chamber orchestra rehearsal, the conductor was demonstrating false harmonics, and he picked my violin up to do it. After he played a few notes, he said (in spanish and with a cuban accent): These are some good strings!! Are they new? :) Back then, I cleaned my strings completely after every time I played my violin, and it seemed to work. I still clean them (without any liquids) every day and my strings still last very long. Bilbo Prattle April 4, 2008 at 01:51 AM · Anecdotally and from actual observation, I have seen some strings that *do* corrode quickly, and others that don't. Also, the nut and the bridge can destroy the strings if they are not smooth. Certainly cleaning them helps, but also the chemistry and or cleanliness of your hands has a major effect. This is how and why some people can go years while others only weeks. The strangest I've seen is the galvanic corrosion that occurs where a set of dominants touches a bridge carved from by Gliga Co.

Two fiddles did the same thing--in summer weather. Stained the wood, the aluminum wound strings formed a white jelly at the intersection, the other strings formed dark stains. The staining then led to crushing of the wood and the strings (including the D) digging deep furrows. In the end, you change when they (really do) need it. Rosalind Porter April 4, 2008 at 09:12 AM · I have a feeling Bilbo is onto something about the chemistry of our hands - I do know one violinist who seems to corrode strings in a couple of weeks or so. I always wash my hands before playing - just a habit - so perhaps that has something to do with longevity too? September 6, 2009 at 08:30 AM · The bottom line is this - your strings will last a really long time. Read on, though. Now, um, that needs to be clarified. Just because the string lasts a long time (Dominants can last for like 4 years with no problems) doesn't mean that they are in tip-top musical condition. The playing life for Dominants is around 4-6 months, give or take.

You can keep a set of old strings around in case one breaks, they last a really long time outside of the playing life; however, the intonation of old strings is going to suffer as you move toward the highest tension points on the fretboard. I used to have a second violin, and I played the heck out of it. (Who can afford multiple string sets?). The strings were Dominant, and probably 3-4 years old. I was hacking away at Beethoven's Violin concerto and I drew a crowd of orchestral violinists watching me play. So, I mean, your strings will still appear to sound great after many years. The real test is when you have to play bar chords (Bach Sonatas, Partitas, Romantic Concertos, etc.). Beethoven's violin concerto doesn't have too many double stops and chords, so my old strings sounded good. If I had played some Bach, people would have cringed a bit. The Test. The best test for false strings is to play perfect fifths up and down your fretboard. Make sure the fifths are in tune using harmonics and careful tuning. Then, play fifths and listen to the strings closely.

When the strings are very much in need of a change, these fifths will sound pretty ugly. Sometimes, the fifth will fluctuate in and out of tune. This is a dead on sign that you are in need of a change. Malcolm Turner September 7, 2009 at 12:59 PM · However accurate the strings are, they're bound to wear. Constant finger pressure and shifts etc. When they've been on for some time, take a careful look down the fingerboard. They're probably noticeably thinner at the nut end where we spend most of the time playing. And then don't expect them to be true either along each string and certainly between the strings - best tested on fifths, but if the adjacent strings aren't true to each other, nothing will be in tune, and if you start trying to compensate that will only make things worse when you do change them. I also know that they all seem to "go off" slowly - change one string, and it immediately sticks out from the others with a brightness and immediacy that the others don't have. I'd usually try and change every year or so at the most.

Terez Mertes September 7, 2009 at 11:19 PM · I'm in denial about the fact that I should have done it last month, or, using the 120 hour rule... gulp! Several months ago. No $$ = no string change. Gotta love Dominants. Frederick Rupert September 8, 2009 at 03:58 AM · Dominants usually break before they're a year old, let alone four. The person who used them for four years may have set a world record. I change mine fairly often, when they start to sound dull, with a lack of overtones and edge to the sound. September 8, 2009 at 06:46 AM · Message for short budgeted violinists: If you like Dominants, then give Tonicas a try. They are very very similar and last longer. And Tonica E is infinitely better than Dominant E. All the best.

Brian Lee September 8, 2009 at 05:03 PM · Tonicas are cheaper, too - at my local store, they're $25 a set, as opposed to $40 for Dominants. I personally change whatever strings I'm using every six months - I usually stick to Evah Pirazzis, but I'm currently using Passione, which has lasted for a little over two months so far, though the G string seems pretty dull-sounding by default. My teacher has been on the same set of Evah Pirazzis for about a year now - they definitely have lost their edge, but can still produce a nice sound (that is slowly going false) on his violin (which many experts suspect to be a del Gesu, which is probably what does it - I definitely wouldn't try this on my own violin!). Steven Lee July 2, 2015 at 03:43 AM · I'm curious, other than Physical unwinding, and instability of the tone, are there other indications for changing the strings?

I think I have over 120hours on my Infeld Red, I like this set, what I notice however from past is that my D string wears and is found broken someday. Then A but G and E never gave me any problem(D and A are used the most for my playing). Now with more careful and better adjusted practices and observations, I am noticing that my A string is starting to unwind by the tailpiece/bridge and my D string is starting to unwind in the pegbox. Tonewise, other than the fact that I have been increasing the tension gradually(maybe 1/16 of a turn on finetuners everyday) to stay in tune, perfect fifths sound well, no funny pitch changes, according to my tuner and ears anyways. I am finding my D string VERY slippery, and A is starting to become slippery as well. I clean the strings and the whole violin everynight. Pirastro string cleaner is used for the strings. The bows are well rosined and I am starting to have trouble playing on D and A strings. Does anybody else experience the "slipperiness" on specific string which you are sure that is worn?

Paul Deck July 3, 2015 at 03:35 AM · I have never experienced the slipperiness that you describe. I change my strings about once a year and that is probably about 400-500 hours of playing time. If your strings are only lasting 100-150 hours then you probably should buy something else. Strings unraveling in the pegbox or at the tail piece could indicate improper installation or parts (such as tailpiece tuners) that need to have their surfaces smoothed. Lydia Leong July 3, 2015 at 03:51 AM · You may be overcleaning your strings. If you just wipe the rosin off with a cloth after every practice session you should be fine. Personally, I change strings every 3 months or so, maybe every 6 months if I'm being lazy, because I want to hear the instrument at its best, and even if the strings are still acceptable past that point, they're not sounding as good as they would if they were newer.

Steven Lee July 3, 2015 at 04:11 AM · Odd part is that the last Infeld Red set I've used on my old violin lasted me over 8 months before they broke, but they never "slipped". Basically, it almost feels as if when I am on D string, The bow hair is not sticking to the string. It still makes sound, but it is extremely hard to keep my bow straight. Would it be wise to keep using this set or swap out with warchal when they arrive? Violin Strings characteristically produce a fundamental resonance plus all the string harmonics . The sound of the instrument is enhanced by body resonances including the air resonance of the f-holes . The Violin The violin, the most commonly used member of the modern string family, is the highest-sounding instrument of that group. The strings are tuned a fifth apart which in equal temperament gives frequencies G3(196 Hz), D4(293.7 Hz), A4, E5(659.3 Hz) using the A4 = 440Hz standard.

Musical groups in the western hemisphere typically tune to equal temperament in agreement with the piano keyboard , but the violin family of instruments is not constrained to play in equal temperament because there are no frets on the fingerboard as found on the guitar to determine the musical intervals. Go Back Some Violin Details The violin, the most commonly used member of the modern string family, is the highest-sounding instrument of that group. Its four strings are stretched over a high arched bridge that permits the playing of one or two strings at a time, as well as the nearly simultaneous sounding of three or four as chords. The overall length of the violin averages about 60 cm (23.5 in), whereas the sounding length of the strings, from bridge to the nut at the end of the fingerboard, is about 32 cm (12.75 in). The instrument is held on the left side of the body, while the right hand holds the bow. The wider end of the instrument is placed between the player's left shoulder and chin, while the left hand encircles its neck, the fingers stopping the strings to produce the various pitches.

Sound is produced by drawing the bow across the strings to make them vibrate, or by plucking the strings (PIZZICATO). The range of the violin extends from G, the lowest open string, upward nearly four octaves. The strings are tuned a fifth apart at G3(196 Hz), D4(293.7 Hz), A4, E5(659.3 Hz) if tuned in equal temperament with the A4 = 440Hz standard. But there are no frets on the fingerboard as found on the guitar, so the player can continuously tune the intervals to any desired pitch in the string's frequency range and play the intervals in any system of temperament . With an ensemble of such instruments, like a string quartet with cello and string bass, the players can experiment with different tunings of the intervals since they are not constrained by frets. Many consider that violin making reached its pinnacle in the work of Antonio Stradivari and Guiseppe Guarneri in the 18th century. Although the basic construction of the violin has been long established, the subtle variations which make an outstanding violin are the stuff of legend.

The sound quality can be changed considerably by the place where the string is bowed. If bowed close to the bridge (sul ponticello) then the sound is brighter with more harmonic content . If bowed further from the bridge (sul tasto) then the sound is darker, more mellow with less harmonic content. Go Back Violin Construction The modern violin consists of about seventy parts. Parts include the belly, the back, the ribs, inside blocks, inside lining, bass bar, purfling, finger board, neck, scroll, nut, lower nut, tailpiece, loop, end button, pegs, strings, bridge , and the sound post. The body of the violin is a hollow box which measures about 35.5 cm in length. The back, the neck, the ribs and the bridge are usually made of maple. The belly, linings, and the soundpost are usually made of spruce. Scrupulous care is taken in selecting and shaping the belly and back. They must be adjusted to certain frequencies before assembly in order for the main wood resonance of the instrument to be of the apppropriate strength and pitch. Go Back Violin Bridge The action of the violin bridge is essential to the tone of the instrument.

It's shape and function have been developed over centuries. Underneath the treble side of the bridge (where the E string rests) is the sound post which extends from the front to the back plate of the instrument. Since this side of the bridge rests on this post, it is essentially fixed and acts as a pivot for the rocking motion of the remainder of the bridge. It does however, couple the sound energy from the top plate to the back plate of the instrument. Underneath the bass side of the bridge (where the G string rests), a long, thin wooden strip called the bass bar is attached, almost parallel to the strings. This bass foot of the bridge is more free to move, and its motion is the point of transfer of energy from the strings to the top plate of the instrument. The extended bass bar helps it to transfer the energy to a larger area of the top plate. As can be seen from the diagram, the amplitude of motion is larger for the bass strings. This is desirable for balance of loudness, since the sensitivity of the ear drops off a bit toward the lower frequencies of the instrument. Violin Strings | SHAR Music - sharmusic.com SHARMUSIC.COM Adding item to your shopping cart...

Removing item from your shopping cart... Items Subtotal (0 Items) $0.00 Subtotal does not include coupons, discounts, shipping or taxes. Mark O'Connor Violin Method Book V The newest volume now available in this popular series. Suzuki Cello School Method Book and Cd, Volume 1 Now available! Suzuki Violin School Method Book and CD, Volume 1 A SHAR Best Seller! Klaus Becker Brazilwood Violin Bow German high quality brazilwood bow at an unbeatable price! PRESTO impulse Carbon Fiber Violin Bow "...I was amazed at the response, clarity and tone it produces..." - AndrÃ©s CÃ¡rdenes Deluxe Carry-All Backpack Case Covers by Cushy Add protection, comfort, and storage to your case. Enjoy Free Shipping on U.S. Orders Over $25 - Even for large items! Some restrictions apply. Click for details. Save 10% Off All Sheet Music Titles! Shop Sheet Music Save 10% Off List Price for Suzuki Method Materials Everyday!

Shop Suzuki Choose A Brand To Start Shopping Select Brand Dominant Unpackaged (Thomastik-Infeld) Dominant (Thomastik Infeld) Widely regarded as the "reference standard," Dominant strings, made with a highly flexible, multi-strand Perlon core, provide the tonal warmth and feel of a gut string while being impervious to changes in humidity. The sound is soft, clear and rich in overtones and intonation is stable. One of the world's most popular strings! Shop this brand Evah Pirazzi (Pirastro) Truly outstanding with rave reviews from professionals demanding the best in power and quality. Synthetic core string with warm tonal characteristics. Offers wide dynamic range, intense and brilliant colorations, and quick response. Shop this brand Obligato (Pirastro) Warm, brilliant, clear and focused sound. Powerful tonal volume, yet flawless character throughout all dynamic ranges. Synthetic core is extremely stable and resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. Shop this brand Alphayue (Thomastik Infeld) Why settle for steel strings? Alphayue strings were carefully developed to be a serious student's first string.

These synthetic core strings tune in quickly, work well with fine tuners, and are forgiving, stable, and durable. Shop this brand Vision Titanium Solo (Thomastik Infeld) Vision strings, using advanced synthetic core technology, are easy to play, settle in very quickly, offer unparalleled tuning stability, are more durable than most synthetic core strings and respond quickly. Vision Titanium Solo strings have very powerful projection, with a sweet, bright sound. They offer incredible focus and clarity, and are perfect for soloists. Shop this brand Vision Titanium Orchestra (Thomastik Infeld) Vision strings, using advanced synthetic core technology, are easy to play, settle in very quickly, offer unparalleled tuning stability, are more durable than most synthetic core strings and respond quickly. Vision Titanium Orchestra strings were developed to replace gut strings, and are perfect for orchestra and chamber music players. Shop this brand Helicore (D'Addario) Helicore's multi-strand, twisted steel core strings have a small string diameter, providing a quick bow response. Thanks to special manufacturing techniques, Helicore strings have a warm, clear sound with excellent pitch stability and longevity.

Shop this brand Red Label (Super-Sensitive) Full core steel strings with nickel winding that possess clear tone quality and dependability. Favored by many teachers and students. Durable and economical choice that comes recommended by Suzuki Method instructors. Shop this brand Tonica (Pirastro) Nylon core string delivers big tone and rich overtones. Terrific response even at pianissimo; will not crack under heavy bow pressure. New formula shows improvements in projection, brilliance, and dynamic range. Even tone and well-rounded sound help to achieve balance and smoother string crossings. Shop this brand Goldbrokat (Lenzner) Vibrant, bright string that is well matched with gut strings. This steel E string adds brilliance and edge to any set of strings. Extremely affordable and popular amongst professionals, soloists and students. Shop this brand PI (Thomastik-Infeld) A revolution in tonal sound and color for the discerning musician, Peter Infeld (PI) strings produce a rich spectrum of sound colors, the perfect blend of power & elegance, and a wide dynamic range. The strings deliver instant bow response, as well as superior tuning ability. Shop this brand Gold (Pirastro) Sheep gut core strings produce a beautiful, rich, rounded tone.

Made in larger tolerances than Eudoxa without gauges (medium only), making them more economical. Easy playability and response. Shop this brand Vision (Thomastik Infeld) Vision strings, using advanced synthetic core technology, are easy to play and settle-in in just 1-2 hours. They offer unparalleled tuning stability, respond quickly, and are more durable than most synthetic core strings. Vision Medium/Standard: Clear, brilliant, and focused tone; a perfect fit for today's modern sound. Vision Thick/Stark/Forte: Clear, open and dark tone; our warmest synthetic core string. Shop this brand Prelude (D'Addario) Solid steel core string that is durable and not affected by temperature and humidity changes. Prelude strings have a clear, bright sound without the shrill sound of traditional steel strings, and have a quick bow response. Shop this brand Evah Pirazzi Gold (Pirastro) Violinists will enjoy the brilliant golden tone one would normally associate with gut strings while the tuning stability and extremely short breaking-in period equal to the high standard set by Evah Pirazzi and Obligato strings.

Shop this brand Vision Solo (Thomastik Infeld) Vision Solo violin strings feature a technically advanced formulation and architecture designed to produce a blend of exceptional performance and playing characteristics. They offer a brilliant, round yet well-defined "soloistic" tone; great warmth and projection, with focus and clarity; and energetic, intense projection. Shop this brand Jargar Bright, full sound, quick response. Made in Denmark, these steel core strings are favored by many solosits. Jargar strings are known for their powerful, well-balanced tone. Shop this brand Oliv (Pirastro) Often referred to as "The Soloist String," these sheep gut core strings produce full, warm, brilliant tones. Known for warmth, complexity and brilliance of sound, Pirastro Oliv Strings generate more sound volume than Eudoxa. The set allows a great range of colors and dynamics. Shop this brand Red Infeld (Thomastik Infeld) Wound on an advanced synthetic core, Infeld strings are designed to cover the entire tonal spectrum, enabling players to achieve string by string tonal preferences without the headaches of uneven string to string tensions. Removable ball on E strings.

Infeld Red: designed to create a powerful, warm and expansive tone; excellent for soloists. Infeld Blue: designed to create a powerful, brilliant and focused; excellent for soloists. Shop this brand Eudoxa (Pirastro) The world's most popular string for orchestral and chamber music. These traditional gut core strings have a well-balanced, warm tone and pitch stability. Good durability, beautiful tonal characteristics and easy response. Shop this brand Blue Infeld (Thomastik Infeld) Wound on an advanced synthetic core, Infeld strings are designed to cover the entire tonal spectrum, enabling players to achieve string by string tonal preferences without the headaches of uneven string to string tensions. Removable ball on E strings. Infeld Red: designed to create a powerful, warm and expansive tone; excellent for soloists. Infeld Blue: designed to create a powerful, brilliant and focused; excellent for soloists. Shop this brand Westminster This American-made E string is a popular choice with a very powerful and clear sound. Great playability and response. Available in light, medium and heavy gauges. Shop this brand Hill Made in England, this E string is a very reliable, durable string with a sweet sound.

It is known for its warmth, response and versatility with other strings. Shop this brand Spirit (Thomastik Infeld) Behind each string of the Spirit! String line for violin and cello is the fundamental idea that making music should bring you joy. Made in Vienna, the advancing player and aspiring artist will discover Spirit! Strings provide them everything needed to produce a distinguished sound for every kind of music. These strings produce an even, balanced tone across the strings and have a darker sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking to balance out a brighter-sounding instrument. Shop this brand Kaplan (D'Addario) Kaplan strings offer a beautiful, rich tonal palette and superb bowing response. They provide clarity and warmth across the registers and throughout the dynamic range. The Kaplan Vivo and Amo string sets combine the power that the professional needs with the expressiveness and the richly textured tonal qualities that they desire. The Amo set offers a warm, lusher sound, while the Vivo set is brilliant with strong projection. Shop this brand Zyex (D'Addario) Zyex is a new generation of synthetic material. Created for stability in drastic climatic conditions, it settles in faster than any other synthetic material.

Zyex strings have a warm sound and good bow response. Shop this brand Overture Premium Our Best Selling Strings! See why for yourself. Our secret is in combining the high quality of precision German aluminum and magnesium alloys with the low cost of Chinese manufacturing. The result is a high quality string that our play testers found to be better than other popular student brands. Shop this brand Universal No 1 (Pirastro) The Pirastro Universal No. 1 E string is a non-whistling string with very sweet and brilliant sound. It has great projection and easy response. It is an ideal string for musicians that suffer from hand perspiration. Designed to be suitable with all types of A, D, and G strings. Shop this brand Alliance Vivace (Corelli) Offers a rich, focused and clean sound from high to low position, playing very easily with fast and accurate response under both high and low bow pressure. Balanced transitions from string to string. The high tech composite core material offers a classic sound and strong projection. Shop this brand Passione Solo (Pirastro) Passione Solo violin strings will captivate you with their powerful and brilliant sound.

These sheep gut core violin strings are similar to Passione strings, but with an extended range of dynamics and tone colors. They have a significantly reduced playing-in time compared to other gut strings, a soloistic tone, and an easy response. Shop this brand Tzigane (Larsen) Designed with a new composite fiber core that offers a sound similar to gut. These strings feature a darker, warmer timbre with a rich sound. The Larsen Tzigane is a responsive string that accepts nuances and subtleties. The E string in particular is popular for its sweet sound even in higher registers and is also known for whistling less often than others. Shop this brand Wondertone Solo (Pirastro) Offers an outstanding sound volume and impressive power, with a wonderful warm sound when playing pianissimo, and an impressive brilliance in the higher registers. Shop this brand Larsen Made in Denmark, Larsen strings are aimed at soloists in need of a string with projection. These multi-filament nylon core strings have a bright sound that nicely complements gut strings as well as tungsten wound synthetic strings.

Shop this brand Pro Arte (D'Addario) This nylon core string is resistant to humidity and temperature changes, with a moderate break-in period. Pro-Arte strings have a warm sound and a good bow response. Shop this brand Overture Ultra Here is the perfect string for the working pro or active student. The strong Synthelon core produces a warm, complex and powerful sound, similar to gut strings. However, a fast break-in period and stability in varying climatic conditions gives these strings a decided advantage over gut strings. What's more, you won't break the bank replacing them, since SHAR sells them at a very reasonable price. Shop this brand Passione (Pirastro) Passione strings are combination sets of wound sheep gut strings with matched steel-core strings for the higher-tension strings. This blend of traditional and modern offers fantastically rich tone for violin, viola, cello and double bass. These strings have a powerful sound and very easy response with higher pitch stability than other traditional gut core strings. Round, balanced tone, complex overtones and great clarity. Shop this brand Prim Made in Sweden, these steel core strings offer a bright, powerful sound.

Popular with fiddlers, bluegrass & folk players, as well as students of all levels. Long-lasting and durable. Shop this brand Chromcor (Pirastro) Pirastro Chromcor strings have a steel core and brilliant sound. They produce large tonal volume, easy response, and stay well in-tune. Shop this brand Chorda (Pirastro) Pure gut strings designed for use with Baroque and Renaissance instruments. These very low tension strings are designed for 440 Hz tuning. Soft, warm sound. Shop this brand Karneol (Warchal) The Slovakian string maker Warchal only started making strings in 2003. In the decade since then, the distinctly European sound of Warchal strings has impressed many American violinists. The Karneol strings are forgiving, offering maximum warmth and balance. These higher tension strings feature a sweet focused sound, lots of resonance and a wide range of tonal color. Shop this brand Virtuoso (Larsen) If you enjoy a string with great power, brilliance, and projection but want to avoid high tension, the new Larsen Virtuoso may be the string youâve been looking for.

This synthetic core string with moderate tension is ideal for soloists and players looking for a responsive, articulate, nuanced sound. Its smooth sound will work well with older and darker or neutral sounding instruments. Shop this brand Brilliant (Warchal) The Slovakian string maker Warchal only started making strings in 2003. In the decade since then, the distinctly European sound of Warchal strings has impressed many American violinists. Warchal's line of Brilliant strings attacks the problem of projection with a brighter sounding synthetic core string. The tonal complexity and powerful projection of the Brilliant strings combines to create a rich, full sound. These strings have a quick break-in period and very responsive playability. Shop this brand Lisa (Prim) Bright, but without a harsh or brittle edge. If you prefer an E string that is well balanced with the other strings, and has a smooth and seamless sound, the Lisa is the string for you. Shop this brand Violino (Pirastro) Synthetic multifilament fiber core string delivers warm, smooth, round sound. Violino strings boast subtleties amidst different tone colors.

Pirastro designed Violino strings with low string tension and fast response, allowing the strings to speak easily even at the lowest bow pressure. Great durability in different climate conditions. Shop this brand NS Electric (D'Addario) NS Electric strings have a naturally powerful output, but since electronic rather than acoustic amplification is the means by which the bowed electric player manages volume, the entire focus of the NS Electric string design is on fullness of tone and set balance. The key to string design is to optimize each string to perform within its unique frequency range, and to keep the low and high strings in balance. Shop this brand Brilliant Vintage (Warchal) The Slovakian string maker Warchal only started making strings in 2003. In the decade since then, the distinctly European sound of Warchal strings has impressed many American violinists. The Brilliant Vintage strings possess tonal complexity and a rich, full sound. These strings differ from the Warchal Brilliant version in that their low tension is designed for antique and older violins. Shop this brand Charm Charm Strings offer the rich and nuanced sound of a gut string, but with the playing comfort and tuning stability of a synthetic string!

The light and colorful, nuanced response is available for all instruments and in both full sizes and fractional sizes under the "Charm KIDS" label. Shop this brand Capriccio (Dogal) Capriccio strings are for the fine instrument of the technically demanding virtuoso. These new strings are made exclusively by hand at the Dogal factory in Venice. Masterfully wound strings featuring a new concept "Synthetic Gut" core offers the professional player a string which is absolutely impervious to damp or other difficult climatic conditions. These strings allow the player to easily attain a warm, intense and powerful 'Italian' sound. For violin and viola. Shop this brand Vivaldi (Dogal) Vivaldi Strings by Dogal are strings for professional violinists, entirely produced by hand in their Venetian workshop. An excellent response and perfect fifths are a result of the use of a multi-filament synthetic core with a high percentage of carbon fiber, which also reduces soundboard stress. Available in full and fractional sizes. Shop this brand Opal Titan Opal Titan Violin strings are handmade synthetic core strings designed in Switzerland. They are manufactured using cutting-edge technology and the finest materials.

Opal Titan Violin stringsâ technical quality and precision grant a rich powerful sound, with a wide colour spectrum, brilliant and mellow at the same time. These strings allow the most sensitive players to reach the instrumentâs full potential and offer the perfect balance between art and technology and provide optimum harmony between player and instrument. Shop this brand Custom Set Players often mix and match strings because it's the easiest and most cost-effective way to experiment with and improve the sound of an instrument. We've collected and tested our favorite custom sets and made them available to you at a reduced price. Shop this brand Eudoxa-Aricore (Pirastro) These polyester core strings offer a dark timbre and warm sound. Available only in three gauges in steps of 1/4, the Pirastro Aricore strings tune quickly and are durable in different climate conditions. Shop this brand Dominant Unpackaged (Thomastik-Infeld) Unpackaged Straight versions of the Dominant strings. Widely regarded as the 'reference standard', Dominant strings, made with a highly flexible, multi-strand Perlon core, provide the tonal warmth and feel of a gut string while being impervious to changes in humidity.

The sound is soft, clear and rich in overtones and intonation is stable. REVIEWED BY: Student, Sue Brotherton reviewed on: 09/26/2016 Don't hold their tune I usually use Visions on this violin. I thought I'd try these strings. Once strings settle, they usually hold their tune really well on this instrument, whether it's between use or during play. In either case, after several weeks with these stings, I can say they don't hold their tune well. The sound is okay, although not as good as with Visions. The E string is rather shrill, which is unpleasant, as people usually comment how sweet the E string is on this instrument. Have to play a wedding in two weeks and finally decided I can't have such an unreliable set on the instrument. $44.24 reviewed on: 06/04/2016 Very nice, very pleased. When I upgraded my violin about a year ago it came with Dominants on it. I was pretty excited because my teacher had them. I loved the G and D strings! They have a very full, mellow tone.

However, I was disappointed with the A and E strings. I thought the A was somewhat nasally and the E was a bit weak with a slight shrillness. I began searching for a different brand. I came across the Corellis and read lots of reviews. They appeared to be just what I was looking for. I ordered a set. I am very pleased with them! The G and D are very good, unfortunately not as nice as Dominants. The A and E are quite satisfactory. The A matches the D well, and the E is vibrant without any tininess or harshness. $79.99 REVIEWED BY: Teacher, ALEXANDER KEHLER reviewed on: 06/02/2016 D'Addario Kaplan Amo - violin I love these strings! I've used Pirastro for years but I'm always testing other strings. For years Tonica were my mainstay and I would splurge for Obligato for recordings. I tried the Evah pirrazi but they were too bright for my violin. Larsen Tzigane were my latest experiment and though I loved the tone, they didn't seem to last very long.

Kaplan Amo seem to have all the warmth of the Tzigane, yet wonderful presence like the Evahs and they stay true longer than most other strings that I've tried! I highly recommend them. $84.05 Violin Strings - Violin Online Music Store STORE VIOLIN STRINGS* Violin strings can significantly affect the sound of your instrument. You may want to experiment with different brands to determine the sound you like best on your violin (the same string can produce varied results on different violins). Strings are made of several different types of materials: all-metal, synthetic-core and gut-core (gut-core and synthetic-core strings are wound with metal). Although strings once were made solely of gut (sheep or lamb intestines), all-gut strings are rarely used today (they're expensive and rapidly go out-of-tune). For directions on how to change strings, visit our Changing Strings page. The following section highlights differences between various types of strings. Small Violin Strings Synthetic Core These strings use a core made out of a durable synthetic product such as perlon or kevlar, and are wrapped with metals such as aluminum or silver.

Synthetic-core strings are designed to replicate the rich sound of gut strings, and feature a warm, bright tone without requiring the frequent tuning of gut-core strings. Brands such as Thomastik’s Dominant strings were the first synthetic string made, and still enjoy wide popularity. If you buy a set of synthetic core strings, many of these sets do include a steel violin E string. Metal Strings All-metal strings are often described as having a bright, loud sound. These strings generally have a steel core, and are wound with various metals such as silver, titanium or steel. All-metal strings often remain in tune better than other strings (the steel core isn’t as impacted by humidity and temperature as gut-core or synthetic-core strings). For this reason, all-metal strings are often used for student violins (brands such as Super-Sensitive Red Label are inexpensive options often used by student violinists). Some violinists use E strings made of steel such as Pirastro’s Gold Label E in combination with synthetic-core brands for the other strings. Gut Core Strings Some professional violinists prefer gut-core strings because of the rich, warm sound they produce on their instrument.

These strings are not as durable as metal or synthetic-core strings, and are more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes (thus requiring more frequent tuning than other strings). Many gut-core violin “sets” include a steel or gold-plated steel E string (G, D and A in these sets are gut core). What’s the difference between an E string with a ball end or loop end? Ball end strings require a fine tuner with two prongs, and loop end strings are designed for one prong tuners, but often can be used with both one and two prong fine tuners. You may want to check to see how your violin is currently strung before ordering an E string. Although some E strings have removable balls, it would be safest to order the E string ending designed for your fine tuner. There also are ball-end adapters as shown below (these enable ball end strings to be used with single prong tuners). The following sampling of violin strings features some of the most popular brands (additional brands are available). Strings may be purchased in sets containing all 4 strings or as individual strings, and most of the strings listed below are for 4/4 full-size instruments.

If you're a beginner and your violin did not come with fine tuners on every string, you may want to consider adding fine tuners to your violin tailpiece to assist in tuning. If you need strings for small instruments (not a full-size 4/4 violin) click here: Strings for 3/4 - 1/16 instruments. Tune a Violin Step By Step, Free Online Tuner Tuning Your Violin The 'A' String Traditionally we tune a violin's A string first. In an orchestra, the A will be played by an oboe. We use the oboe because it is a very unique sound and it is easy to hear. The A that most orchestras use is at a frequency of 440 hz. Some orchestras will use a slightly sharper A (up to 443 hz). No matter what A is used, the other pitches will move slightly sharper or flatter based on that A. Don't forget to push the peg in as you turn it when you are tuning up. The 'D' String Your violin's D string is the next string you should tune. Use the A string as your reference by playing both the A and D strings at once.

The interval between the notes is a 'Perfect 5th' which is the beginning of the song "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" (the pitch of the first 'twinkle' being the lower note (D) and the second 'twinkle' the higher note (A). Use your ears to adjust the D string until you hear the characteristic open sound of the perfect 5th. You can also hear a D by clicking here. The 'G' String Repeat the same steps to tune the G string, using the D string as your higher reference note. Click here to hear a G . The 'E' String Repeat the same steps to tune the E string. Because it is the most delicate string, and the pitch can be altered easily during the tuning process of the other strings, we tune the E string last. Usually you will be able to use the fine tuner on the E string to make a slight adjustment so that the pitch matches a Perfect 5th above the A string. Click here to hear an E. Tuning Tones A D G E Tuning in General Tuning a violin can be a daunting task for beginning violin students. Before I discuss actual tuning, here are some general tips.

- Violin Strings are under tremendous pressure. Turning them too far can break the string or even damage the violin. Turn pegs S-L-O-W-L-Y, and just a little at a time. If your violin is equipped with fine tuners on the tailpiece, that may be all you need to turn. - Raise the pitch of a string (make it sound higher) by turning the appropriate peg away from you. Lower the string's pitch by turning it toward you. - If you are using a tuning fork or electronic tuner, let the tone play throughout the tuning process of a string. - Most people find it easier to listen to a string come into tune from the string being too "flat" (too low) rather than from too "sharp" (too "high"). If you need to tune a string you may wish to loosen the string very slightly, then tighten it until it is correct. NOW ON TO THE TUNING PROCESS Remember that each time you tune the string of a violin you change the stress everywhere on the instrument. Once you get the E string in tune, go back and repeat the process starting with the A. If there has been a change it will only be a minor one, so bring the A back into tune.

Then the D. Then the G. And finally the E. Two more things. First, if you have new strings they may take a while to settle in. The string stretches. The winding on the pegs tightens up. These things will make the pitch of the string get lower (go "flat"). So check tuning on new strings more often. This goes for ANY stringed instrument, not just the violin. Second, sometimes pegs will slip. You just can't seem to make the strings stay in tune no matter what you do. Unless you have a major problem (in which case you need to replace the pegs themselves -- not very common) you can remedy the situation by using PEG DROPS. This helps keep pegs in place, and is a simple fix in most cases. And when you buy a 1/2 ounce bottle it will last for YEARS. Some folks swear by putting a little chalk or rosin dust into the peg hole or onto the peg itself, but I just haven't had the same success with the home remedy and for the price and the convenience of solving my problem without even having to remove the peg . . . the drops seem like a real bargain to me.

The opposite problem, pegs that stick and need lubrication, can often be helped by applying PEG COMPOUND.

Question: How many strings are on a violin?
Answer: 4